The results are in!

Debbie Ballard, Chair of the Elections Standing Committee, has submitted the final results for the 2012 Membership-wide election results.

Our newly elected Board Members are:

President Elect:

Christy Chambers

Members-at-Large, Non-Designated:

Mikka Garcia
Antonis Katsiyannis
Edward Schultz

Member-at-Large, Classroom Ranks:

Donna Marie Sacco

Member-at-Large Diverse, Ethnic and Multicultural Groups:

Mickie Wong-Lo

Student Representative to the Representative Assembly:

Catherine S. Howerter

CEC was fortunate to have had an exemplary slate of candidates for the membership-wide election. All of the candidates were extremely well qualified and displayed a deep commitment to the future of our organization and the advancement of special education.

Retiring Board Members

Many thanks go to our outgoing Board members who will be completing their terms of office this year. These outstanding leaders have contributed invaluable time and expertise on behalf of CEC and the field. Their unselfish dedication to advancing the Council's work is highly commendable and deeply appreciated. They are: Jackie Mault, Iris Kerbis Cantor, Liz Drame, Clay Keller, Eileen Raymond, and Ron Tamura.

Christy Chambers, President Elect

McHenry, Illinois, USA

Preschool Principal, Consolidated School District 158
Education Consultant; Activity Leader, IDEA Partnership

Education:

Ed.D., Special Education Administration, Illinois State University, 1984
M.S., Education, Special Education Administration, Illinois State, 1977
B.S., Education, Elementary and Special Education, Northern Illinois University, 1972
Music Therapy, Dartington College of Fine Arts, Totnes, England 1973

Major Career Experience and Achievements:

Preschool Principal, Consolidated School District 158, preschool with 300 children at risk or with special needs, ages three through five, in a public school setting; administrator supervising child find, diagnostic teams and related services personnel
Activity Leader, IDEA Partnership, National Association of State Directors of Special Education, facilitating groups and cross stakeholder work in areas of shared interest related to the education of individuals with disabilities, Office of Special Education Programs, Department of Education Grant Project, 2009-present
Education Consultant: Trainer of administrators, educators and organizational teams in leadership development, "Leading with Heart in Times of Cardiac Arrest". Providing workshops, team training activities and academies for administrator credit, Illinois State Board of Education, 2008-present
Superintendent, Special Education District of McHenry County (SEDOM); built local capacity and moved 400 children with exceptionalities from center-based services to home districts, 2002-2008
Convened SEDOM deliberative planning with 18 member districts resulting in parent-lead strategic improvement, 2004-2007
Author/trainer, Leading with Heart in Times of Cardiac Arrest, Administrative Academy/workshop, Illinois State Board of Education, 2008-present
Executive Director, Lockport Area Special Education, redesigned services increasing district capacity to serve children with exceptionalities, 1994-2002
Author, The Journey to Effective Leadership, Council of Administrators of Special Education/Master Teacher, 2010

Length of CEC Membership: 39 years

CEC Leadership Positions Held and Major Achievements:

Council of Administrators of Special Education, Past President 2008-10, President 2006-08, President Elect 2004-06, Secretary 1999-2003, Membership and Policy and Legislation Committee member, 1997-1999
Harrie Selznick Leadership Award Recipient, CASE, 2008
Interdivisional Caucus of CEC, Chair 2002-2004, Vice Chair, 2000-2002
Illinois Council for Exceptional Children, President Elect, President, Past President 1990-1993, Treasurer, 1987-1990, Illinois CEC State Convention Chair, 1986, 1994, Student Advisor, 1987, Executive Board 1986-1993
Illinois Council of Administrators of Special Education, President Elect, President, Past President 1995-1999, Co-chairperson, Federal Committee, 2002-Present, Co-chairperson, Merger Committee, ICASE/IL Association of Special Education Administrators, 1999

Other Relevant Professional and Volunteer Activities:

McHenry County Behavioral Health Foundation-county mental health board foundation, Vice President, 2009-present, Board Member 2008-present
Options and Advocacy of McHenry County-county advocacy organization for individuals with needs, Board Member, appointed May 2011
North Winnebago-Rockton Rotary Club, Secretary, President Elect, 1992-1994

1. How my leadership skills and experience will contribute to the ongoing success of CEC:
My philosophy and leadership style:

Position titles/job descriptions detail our work but building relationships makes us successful
Better outcomes are achieved when all representative groups having a stake in the challenge come together as equal partners
Good leaders may do things right while great leaders do the right thing for the right reasons
Experience:

Leading large scale change through shared leadership and leading with heart has been the hallmark of my career
Successful experience as a teacher, supervisor, fiscal manager, professional development coordinator, special education director and Superintendent of 3 special education cooperatives has provided optimal preparation to lead CEC

2. Suggestions/strategies for developing and advancing diversity within CEC and the profession.

Develop/enhance recruitment strategies at traditionally diverse teacher preparation colleges
Strengthen engagement with partners successful in advancing diversity within their organizations such as the IDEA Partnership at NASDSE, which includes Fiesta Educative and 100 Black Men of America among active organizations
Promote the international status through outreach activities and increased partnerships with DISES
Survey members of diverse backgrounds on needs and CEC direction
Reward units for successfully recruiting and engaging members of diverse backgrounds
Invite presentations, create strands at conferences promoted with incentives at state/provincial level
Strengthen efforts to develop diversity in leadership, work groups, Nominations Standing Committee and more

3. Goals for both the organization and profession during the next three years.
Review of the current Strategic Plan

The six goal areas from 2009-2011 continue to have merit if validated also by membership and leadership
Consider adding emphasis on diversity engagement to international goal

Promotion of Strategic Plan

Create specific roles with incentives for units to engage in moving strategic plan forward and engaging all stakeholders
Ensure the Strategic Plan drives decision making and meeting agendas
Strengthen partnerships with related organizations to facilitate achievement of goals related to evidence-based practices, community and membership, cultural competence, public policy and advocacy in particular
Increase utilization of divisions, their networks and partnerships, skills and knowledge

Mikki Garcia, Members-at-Large, Non-Designated

Midway, Georgia, USA

Executive Director of Schools, Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools
District 504 Coordinator

Education:

Doctor of Education, Special Education, Educational Leadership, Vanderbilt University, May 1989
Masters of Education, University of Puerto Rico, English Education, May 1978
Bachelor of Education, University of Puerto Rico, English Education, May 1976

Major Career Experience and Achievements:

Executive Director, Exceptional Children, K-8 Schools, Middle Schools, Savanna-Chatham County Public Schools, January 2011-present
Senior Director, Department for Exceptional Children, Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, Savannah, Georgia, April 2001-January 2011
President GA Council of Administrators of Special Education, July 2009-June 2010
Past president, GA Council of Administrators of Special Education, July 2010-2011
President GA Council for Exceptional Children, November 2006-December 2008.
Past-president, GA Council for Exceptional Children, January 2009-December 2009.
Assistant Professor, Special Education Department, Armstrong Atlantic State University, July 1995-April 2001

Length of CEC Membership: 11 years

CEC Leadership Positions Held and Major Achievements:

President, GA Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), July 2009 - June 2010
Past President, GA CASE
President, GA Council for Exceptional Children, November 2006 – December 2008
Past-president, GA CEC, January 2009-December 2009

Current Positions (since 2010)

CEC Yes I Can! Awards subcommittee member
CEC Diversity Committee member
CASE Finance Committee member

Other Relevant Professional and Volunteer Activities:

Member, State Advisory Panel for Special Education, August 2003-May 2009
Chairperson, State Advisory Panel for Special Education, 2005-2006 SY
Co-chair, State Advisory Panel for Special Education, 2004-2005 SY

1. How my leadership skills and experience will contribute to the ongoing success of CEC:
My 10 plus years as a special education administrator and supervisor of 15 schools has allowed me to develop leadership skills/experience that will definitely contribute to CEC. I focus on collaboration and partnerships as a way to advance the organization-we avoid working in silos. As a district with very few legal issues, services for children and advocacy is at the forefront. When in a tough spot, I always imagine it being my child and then the answers become clear. I understand all aspects of PK-12 education and know that I would be an asset to this organization.

2. Suggestions/strategies for developing and advancing diversity within CEC and the profession.
I believe that advancing diversity begins with getting to know people and purposefully targeting diverse individuals. It is important to make a concerted effort to network so that individuals with potential can be identified. As former president of CEC in Georgia and then president of Georgia CASE, I had to identify individuals to chair committees and run for office. I not only depended on my knowledge regarding potential candidates but also on the knowledge of trusted colleagues. Involvement in state activities also gave me a good perspective of potential leaders in our state. Purposeful recruitment is really the best strategy.

3. Goals for both the organization and profession during the next three years.

To ensure that special education teachers are addressing the needs of students with disabilities in the general education environment.
To ensure that special education is not working as a silo but that it is a strong presence at the table in all things related to general education.
To ensure that teacher education programs are truly preparing pre-service teachers to be effective co-teachers.
To develop educational programming for students who are generally referred to as the 2% students that is meaningful and that will lead to a productive future.
To educate the community at large about individuals with disabilities.

Antonis Katsiyannis, Members-at-Large, Non-Designated

Seneca, South Carolina, USA

Alumni Distinguished Professor, Clemson University

Education:

Doctor of Education, Educational Administration/Special Education, The College of William and Mary, Virginia, 1989
Master of Education, Educational Administration, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1986
Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education, Hellenic College/Holy Cross, 1983

Major Career Experience and Achievements:

Alumni Distinguished Professor, Clemson University, 2010
Professor, Clemson University, 1999
Associate Professor (tenured in 1998), Clemson University, Taught undergraduate and graduate courses in legal and policy issues, assessment, and applied behavior analysis
Assistant, Associate, Professor (tenured in 1996), University of Nebraska- Kearney, 1991-1998
Supervisor, Special Education Compliance (residential facilities), Virginia Department of Education, 1989-91
South Carolina Contributor of the Year, South Carolina Division on Career Development and Transition, 2006
Pratt-Heins Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Research, University of Nebraska-Kearney, 1995

Length of CEC Membership: 24 years

CEC Leadership Positions Held and Major Achievements:
National

Vice President, President Elect, President, Past President, Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders (elected), 2008-2011
Elections Committee, Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders (elected) 2007-2008
Elections Committee, Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders (elected), 2004-2007
Division Representative, Executive Committee, Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders (elected), 2001-2005

State

President elect, President, Past President, South Carolina Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders (elected), 1998-2001

Other Relevant Professional and Volunteer Activities:

Co-Editor, Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 2008-present
Board of Directors, Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders, 2002

1. How my leadership skills and experience will contribute to the ongoing success of CEC:

Established leadership skills as I have had the opportunity to lead organizations such as SC CCBD and CCBD and serve in leadership roles for the Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders
Informed and active participation at the national level.
Worked closely with U.S. Department of Education (e.g., Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Working Group [October 2010]; External Evaluator for Office of Special Education Programs National Centers: Positive Behavior Supports [September 2010])
Worked closely with National Drop Out Prevention Center
Fluency with special education literature (over 120 articles published; member of editorial boards)

2. Suggestions/strategies for developing and advancing diversity within CEC and the profession:

Through personal contacts. I have close contacts with a variety of individuals representing diverse groups (e.g., Francie Murry, Native American; Claudia Rinaldi, Hispanic; Sandra Smith-African American; Dalun Zhang, Asian)
Through active recruitment for involvement in committees and leadership roles
Through CEC conference strands on diversity

3. Goals for both the organization and profession during the next three years:

Advocate for legal initiatives (e.g., Seclusion and restraints; Bullying; IDEA re authorization-full funding...)
Advocate for the implementation of evidence -based practices with an emphasis early intervention/ prevention
Advocate for quality teacher preparation

Edward Karl Schultz, Members-at-Large, Non-Designated

Wichita Falls, Texas, USA

Assistant Professor, Midwestern State University, West College of Education

Education:

Doctor of Philosophy, Major Special Education with an emphasis of study in the Doctoral Leadership program in Behavioral Disorders, University of North Texas, 2007
Master’s of Education, Major: Special Education; Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, TX, 2002
Bachelor’s of Science in Education, Major: Special Education, Minor: Kinesiology, Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, TX, 1999

Major Career Experience and Achievements:

Special Education Teacher/Educational Diagnostician, 1999-2005
Teacher of the year nominee, Midwestern State University 2002
Graduate Man of the Year Midwestern State University, 2002
Educator of the Year ARC of Wichita Falls, 2008
Piper Award Nominee West College of Education, 2010)
Authored book-Schultz, E.K. (2009). Response to Intervention for School Leaders, Attainment Publishing, Verona, WI. Have authored or co-authored several other publications as well.
Revised the graduate program at Midwestern State University by aligning course objectives and assessments to CEC standards for advanced programs. Wrote the SPA (CEC) report for our college to meet NCATE standards, 2009-2011

Length of CEC Membership: 10 years

CEC Leadership Positions Held and Major Achievements:
National

Texas representative for the CEC Representative Assembly

State

President, Texas Council for Exceptional Children, 2010-present
Vice President, Texas Council for Exceptional Children, 2009
Conference Chair, 30th Annual Texas Council for Exceptional Children Conference, 2010

Local

Advisor to student CEC chapter 281.

Other Relevant Professional and Volunteer Activities:
State

Advisor-Texas Collaborative for Emotional and Behavioral Development in Schools (TxCEDS) 2006-present.

Local:

Board of Directors, Rose Street Day School, 2007-present
Board of Directors of the Arc of Wichita County, 2010-present
Midwestern State University-Faculty Senate, 2009-2011

1. How my leadership skills and experience will contribute to the ongoing success of CEC:
My leadership skills and experience allow me to maintain relationships with variety of stakeholders involved in educating students with disabilities and/or gift and talents. Professional activities such as, preparing teachers and consulting with school districts keeps me close to our constituents and allows me to have current information concerning their needs. These professional relationships are strengthened by the resources and knowledge CEC has provided me and will contribute to the ongoing success of CEC.

2. Suggestions/strategies for developing and advancing diversity within CEC and the profession:
I am proud to be a member of the leading professional organization which addresses issues of diversity. In addition to the activities CEC already does, I would suggest strengthening relationships with other professional organizations who serve students from diverse backgrounds. I would also suggest we increase the number of resources available in other languages. To further advance diversity in the profession, I would develop materials which help high school students organize supports for students from diverse backgrounds and disabilities similar to “Circle of Friends.”

3. Goals for both the organization and profession during the next three years:
The current (2009-2011) CEC strategic goals need to be reached and maintained as they address the major areas of our field and are aligned with my personal goals for the organization. My main goal for the profession and the organization is for the field special education to reclaim its status as “specialized instruction” delivered by “specialist.” The field, in my opinion, is becoming too generic in its design and delivery. In addition, I think we need to address the lack of training for general education teachers and take the lead in these efforts.

Donna Marie Sacco, Member-at-Large, Classroom Ranks

Arlington, Virginia, USA

Special Education Teacher, Multi-Intervention Program for students with Autism, Drew Model School
Adjunct Professor, George Washington University, Bilingual Special Education Program, Graduate School for Education and Human Development

Education:

Masters, The George Washington University, Washington, Education-Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Bilingual Special Education, 2003
B.F.A., Acting, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, 1983

Major Career Experience and Achievements:

National Board Certified Teacher Exceptional Needs Specialist Early Childhood Through Young Adulthood Achieved, 2007
Table leader, WIDA Alternate ACCESS Test Alignment Study, 2011
Completed Basic Course DIRFloortime, 2010, Completed Summer Institute Level B, 2010; Anticipate completion of certification in DIRFloortime.
Participated in item development, WIDA Alternate ACCESS test, 2009
Presented Pilot Study at Teacher Research Convocation, Arlington Public Schools, 2007
Won Olympus/Tool Factory Grant of $3550 for writing project with Arlington Traditional School and Arlington Academy of Hope, Uganda, 2005
Highlighted in Washington Post and Education World "Teacher Feature", 2006

CEC Leadership Positions Held and Major Achievements:

DC Unit CEC, President, 2011
DC Chapter CEC, Vice-President, 2010
DC Unit CEC Programs Director, 2010
Along with Monica Roche, built the DC Chapter of CEC to reactivate the Unit, 2009 -2011.
Currently building membership and participation
Created and facilitated several professional development opportunities for membership including presentations by Dr. Beth Harry and Dr. Margo Mastropieri

Other Relevant Professional and Volunteer Activities:

Teachers' Council on Instruction, District, 2009-2011
Writing Materials Adoption Committee, District 2006-2007
ESOL/SPED Bridge Team, District, 2005-2011
Climate Committee & Technology Committee, School, 2005-2007
Coordinator, Elementary Special Education Summer School, District, 2005-2007
United Way Representative, District, 2003-2008
Assistant Producer, Non-Traditional Casting Project, Handled board of directors, consisting of nationally known producers, directors, and writers, National, 1986-1987
Actors' Equity Association Committees, National, 1986-1987

1. How my leadership skills and experience will contribute to the ongoing success of CEC:

I bring experience both as a special educator in a variety of classroom settings as well as a professor on the graduate school level. My passion is exciting educators about their profession with my enthusiasm and ability to engage others. I work with families through classroom relationships as well as through the Best Buddies organization in order to come to a deeper understanding of their needs. I work with students and families from all over the world and feel that one area of deep concern for me is reaching the students who are culturally and linguistically diverse exceptional learners.

2. Suggestions/strategies for developing and advancing diversity within CEC and the profession:

Speakers such as Dr. Beth Harry or Catherine Collier on working with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) populations.
Glenn E. Singleton (or someone with similar background) as convention Keynote speaker.
Courageous Conversations workshops with the Board, Summer Leadership Institute, Representative Assembly, as well as opportunities at the conference for half or full day workshops.
Introductory membership rates and/or limited time access to the online journals targeted to international communities and diverse university programs.
CEC presence at other conferences such as TESOL and NABE.
More books on diversity and CLD populations available in the CEC bookstore.

3. Goals for both the organization and profession during the next three years:

Work with Universities in the DC area to promote membership in CEC and involvement in professional development opportunities to diverse communities.
Work to improve teacher and administrator skills in the understanding and education of students with autism as the numbers are increasing rapidly and our schools are not ready.
Continue to develop and share action research from the classroom.
Use my knowledge of Capital Hill and the US Department of Education to increase my public policy advocacy.
Lead professional development for my school, CEC Unit, and present at national conferences.

Mickie Wong-Lo, Member-at-Large Diverse, Ethnic and Multicultural Groups

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Assistant Professor, Northeastern Illinois University

Education:

Ph.D., Special Education-Emphasis on Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, University of North Texas, 2009
M.Ed., Counseling Psychology, University of Houston, 2005
B.S., Psychology, University of Houston, 2000

Major Career Experience and Achievements:

Graduate Research Assistant, University of North Texas - Program in Special Education with an emphasis on Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, 2006-2009
Training Coordinator, Behavioral Treatment and Training Center Day Treatment Program - EC-12 - Personnel training/development; Behavioral and educational programming for individuals with Autism/Developmental Disorders, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, 2005-2006
Classroom Trainer, Behavioral Treatment and Training Center Day Treatment Program - EC-12 - Behavioral and educational programming for individuals with Autism/Developmental Disorders, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, 2004-2005
Texas Children's Hospital, Bridges Program-Social/Relational/Emotional therapy for individuals with Autism/Developmental Disorders, 2002-2003
Training Coordinator, Behavior Modification Program for individuals with Autism, Developmental Disorders, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, 1999-2005

Length of CEC Membership: 5 years

CEC Leadership Positions Held and Major Achievements:
National
Assistant to Conference Chairperson

CEC-Teacher Education Division, 2008
CEC-Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders, 2007

Conference Support

CEC - Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders, 2007

Proposal Reviewer

CEC-Teacher Education Division, 2008
CEC-Council for Children with Behavioral Disorder, 2007

Other Relevant Professional and Volunteer Activities:

International

Assistant to Conference Chairperson, International Association of Special Education, 2009-Alicante, Spain; 2007-Hong Kong, China
Co-Editor, Manuscript-Proceedings - International Association of Special Education, 2009
Proposal Reviewer, International Association of Special Education, 2009; 2007

National

Consulting Editor - Preventing School Failure Journal, 2009-present
Co-Editor - Special Issue: Cyberbullying, 2010-2011

Local

University-Community Partnership, Co-facilitator, ASPIRA Professional Development/Personnel Training Planning Committee - Behavior Management Training Series, 2010
Consultant, Anti-bullying/cyberbullying Program Planning Committee - Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, 2011

Northeastern Illinois University

Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Department of Special Education - Learning Behavior Specialist I - Undergraduate Program, 2011
Chairperson, Financial Advisory Committee, present
Co-Chairperson, Focus Program Admittance Committee, present

Member

NCATE Committee, Present
Professional Standards Committee, Present
Search and Screen Committee, 2009-2011
University of North Texas Graduate Student Representative, Search and Screen Committee, 2007-2009

1. How my leadership skills and experience will contribute to the ongoing success of CEC:
My experiences as a researcher, educator and advocate of individuals with exceptionalities have provided valuable leadership opportunities that have shaped my mission in working alongside other prominent leaders for the ongoing success of CEC. In order to be an effective leader in CEC, my goal is to continue the prestigious legacy of both the organization and profession by working collaboratively with the members of the board. In addition, I will exercise my advocacy skills as the voice of individuals with exceptionalities and their families of all cultural heritages.

2. Suggestions/strategies for developing and advancing diversity within CEC and the profession:
To advance diversity within CEC and the profession, suggestions on advocacy and training can be focused under three levels to enhance accessibility for all members:

Internationally: Free webinar training on Diversity Around the World, where leaders from all cultures will be invited to speak about their experiences and research on diversity. Proceedings from the webinar trainings will be assimilated into an annual publication on Diversity Around the World of Children with Exceptionality.
Nationally: Diversity-Online Blog, which highlights effective strategies from individuals working with students and families of exceptional children.
Locally: Diversity/Cultural Competence Training Sessions within local CEC and SCEC chapters.

3. Goals for both the organization and profession during the next three years:
CEC's Strategic Plan specified six distinguished elements that one should not view as individual entities but as collaborative components of the organization and profession. During the next three years, my goal is to work collaboratively with the members of the CEC board to identify effective strategies and practices that will abide by the standards of the Strategic Plan. Through partnership, I will work diligently to assist the CEC board to ensure that our organization and profession continues its prominent dedication to individuals with exceptionalities and their families through research, education and advocacy.

Catherine S. Howerter, Student Representative to the Representative Assembly

Doctoral Student
University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV)
Las Vegas, NV

Education:

Ph.D. (anticipated), Special Education, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, anticipated May 2013
M.A., Educational Psychology, New York University, 2008
B.S., Elementary Education and Special Education, Carlow University, 2001

Major Career Experience and Achievements:

University of Nevada-Las Vegas – Doctoral Teaching Graduate Assistant. 2009-Present
Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy – Intervention Coordinator. 2010-2011
New York Department of Education, Middle School 582 – Special Education Teacher. 2005-2009
District of Columbia Public Schools, Kenilworth Elementary School – Special Education Teacher. 2002-2005

Length of CEC Membership: Two years

Other Relevant Professional and Volunteer Activities:

CEC UNLV Chapter #0708 – President Elect. 2010-Present
UNLV Graduate and Professional Student Association – Graduate Student Representative and Community Service Committee Member. 2010-Present
CEC Children and Youth Action Network (CAN) Training – Selected by the CEC Teacher Education Division to attend this training. 2011
CEC Convention & Expo – Poster Presentation. 2011
Hawaii International Conference on Education – Poster Presentation. 2011
Intervention in School and Clinic – Guest Reviewer. 2011
CEC Teacher Education Division Conference – Poster Presentation. 2010
CEC UNLV Chapter #0708 – Doctoral Student Representative. 2009-2010
China Institute New York – Teacher Delegate Scholarship to attend Summer Study Tour in China. 2009

Nominee Statements:

How my skills and experience would contribute to my success in the role:

When I embarked on my doctoral studies, I knew that I wanted to be more than just another PhD student. I quickly found ways to become actively involved. For the CEC UNLV Chapter #0708, I started as the Doctoral Student Representative, served as president elect last year, and this upcoming semester I will serve as president. I also have served on the Graduate and Professional Student Committee for the UNLV Department of Special Education where I advocate on behalf of fellow graduate students. I take my role in leadership positions seriously. I look to not only lead but also advocate for student involvement.

Suggestions/strategies for developing and advancing diversity within CEC and the profession:

I feel that serving in this student leadership role I can help expand the voice of CEC’s student members. Through meeting many students as CEC conventions and trainings I have come to realize that the special education world is small. I can see the important role the CEC Student Committee plays in the lives of future educators. I feel that together as students, educators, and members we can come together to collaborate to reach out to this in and out of our field. This is why I want this opportunity to become more involved in CEC.

Goals for CEC and the field during the next two years:

I am passionate about the role CEC plays in special education. As a Teaching Graduate Assistant, I take every opportunity to talk to my classes about the importance of CEC. I have told students about my experience at the CEC Children and Youth Advocacy Network (CAN) training. I described the important policy work that CAN is doing and how CEC makes this possible. I will be working with a student to start a CEC chapter at her campus. As a future leader in the field of special education, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to help impact CEC through the voice of students who are future special education teachers.